Gain and Retain

Gain and Retain

We are so glad you made it through 2010 – quite an achievement all things considered!

There has never been a more important year to remind customers that your there and you care – we've listed some top tips for you to maximise your sales this year and beat the crunch.

Good luck and here's to a successful Christmas season (look forward to working with you all in 2011!).

1. The 2010 message

'What will NOT sending a personalised Christmas card to YOUR customer this year say'? - Unfortunately it may say ‘we are no longer here' – particularly if cutting costs have meant that you have cut back on communicating with your valued customer base throughout 2010;

REMEMBER – it costs 7 times more to reach out to a new customer – looking after existing customers is the smart way to focus your efforts during 2010!

Sending a Christmas card this year sends the right message to customers (and don't forget a Personalised Christmas cards can also say a big ‘thank you' to hard working staff who have no doubt pushed that extra mile to ensure the company keeps afloat) – it celebrates the fact you've both made it through 2010, research shows (Royal Mail 2008 Survey results) customers DO appreciate the gesture of a Christmas card and that it helps strengthen the relationship and 'emotional' bond between your company and theirs – securing YOUR future sales (and sending a personalised Christmas card is one of the most cost effect ways to do so!)

2. Get that sale!

A card’s not just for Christmas….well, it is but here are 5 ideas for Christmas card uses and customer messages this year:

A personalised Card from CCA Occasions says:

  • Thanks for you business
  • Well done – we both made it through the dreaded crunch!
  • You are a valued customer and your business is important to us
  • A Quality card (all CCA cards are produced to the highest standard) says 'we are a quality business and you are a quality customer'
  • Well done to a great team (to all valued employees)

3. Don’t forget a Calendar

Gain two orders or convert the sale to a personalised calendar – it’s year round advertising and says to your customer – 'I’m here for 2010'!

TRIED AND TESTED METHODS

5 Top tips for gaining orders:

  • Last Years Customers – sending a copy of last years order (CCA provide you with a layout proof of all the previous years orders) along with a copy of our brochure early on in the season (reminding them of the 10% early order discount applicable until 31st October 2010) takes away the hassle factor more or less guarantees a repeat order ‘just choose a design – we have all your details’. It’s also advisable to keep a record of the last three years customers and mail them – even if they’ve missed a year, it could have just been an oversight and they may appreciate the reminder – particularly if you outline the benefits (indicated on the first page of our brochure)
  • All Customer Database – send a full brochure or prospect mailing to ALL the customers on your database (again outlining the benefits) – even if they have never ordered personalised Christmas cards before. Again, it is important to keep the contact names updated – quite often an order is lost because of a change in personnel or responsibility – it’s worth checking who is responsible for ordering before sending a mailing – research has shown us that this person is usually the MD’s secretary – and they are just waiting for you to take the hassle out of ordering!
  • Prospect Mailing – it’s worth either buying or building your own prospect list (one way to do this after the season is offering a recycling service – you only need to visit a few large companies in your local area - not only do you get ideas on the style of cards customers are sending but who exactly is sending personalised cards – you also get extra brownie points from the large companies for being a caring local ‘recycler’! Don’t forget – getting their Christmas card order could also open the door to other business too.
  • Drop in business – make sure everyone who comes into your premise from August onwards leaves with a personalised Christmas card brochure – you never know!
  • DON’T FORGET TO SEND ALL YOUR VALUED CUSTOMERS A PERSONALISED CARD! Remember – a good proportion think it’s the least you can do. You could send one in September letting them know the CCA Christmas range is now in store along with a ‘may we be the first to wish you a happy Christmas’ - a hand written personal message from the team makes a difference and shows how much their business means to you as well as adding a personal touch to your business relationship.